PLAY PODCASTS
Last Word

Last Word

588 episodes — Page 11 of 12

John Surtees, Gordon Thomas, Sir Howard Hodgkin, H. Boyd Woodruff, Joni Sledge

Matthew Bannister onThe racing driver John Surtees who won world championships on two wheels and four.Gordon Thomas who wrote best selling books about espionage and religion.Sir Howard Hodgkin - one of the UK's most admired modern painters.H. Boyd Woodruff, the microbiologist who isolated life saving antibiotics in soil.Joni Sledge one of four singing sisters in the disco group Sister Sledge.Producer: Neil George.

Mar 17, 201728 min

Sir Nigel Rodley, Sir Cosmo Haskard, Louise Hulton, Pete Overend Watts

Matthew Bannister on The human rights lawyer Sir Nigel Rodley. He helped to draft the United Nations Convention Against Torture and became its special rapporteur on the issue. Pete Overend Watts, the bass player from Mott the Hoople. His platform soled boots were so high that if he fell over on stage he needed a roadie to put him back on his feet again. Louise Hulton the maternal health expert who worked tirelessly to improve conditions for childbirth around the world.And Sir Cosmo Haskard, the colourful Governor of the Falkland Islands, who helped to stop the Labour government from handing them to Argentina in the 1960s. Producer: Neil George.

Mar 10, 201727 min

Gerald Kaufman, Dick Bruna, Desmond Connell, Rita Barberá, Frank Delaney

Julian Worricker on:The long-serving Labour MP and former minister, Gerald KaufmanThe prolific Dutch illustrator and author Dick BrunaCardinal Desmond Connell, who as Archbishop of Dublin presided over the Church's handling of the child abuse scandalControversial city mayor Rita Barbera, who ran Valencia in Spain for twenty yearsWriter and broadcaster, Frank Delaney, best known for Radio 4 programmes Bookshelf and Word of Mouth.Producer: Neil George.

Mar 3, 201728 min

Stanley Bard, Norma McCorvey, Michael Ember, Peter Skellern

Kate Silverton on Stanley Bard, the enigmatic proprietor of New York's Chelsea Hotel who created a haven for artists, writers and rock stars and presided over one of the greatest experiments in bohemian living in the history of New York Norma McCorvey, known as Jane Roe, the anonymous plaintiff in the Roe v Wade case by which the US supreme court legalised abortion, who became an unlikely icon for feminismMichael Ember, the Hungarian émigré who fled his country's uprising to become one of the BBC's most respected radio producers - creating programmes In the Psychiatrist's chair and Stop the Week And Peter Skellern - the singer, songwriter and pianist who found fame with 'you're a lady' and forged an enduring musical partnership with his colleague and friend Sir Richard Stilgoe.Producer: Neil George.

Feb 24, 201728 min

Al Jarreau, Betty Tebbs, Sir Peter Mansfield, Dame Jennifer Jenkins, Hans Rosling

Matthew Bannister onBetty Tebbs who devoted her life to fighting for women's rights and nuclear disarmament.Sir Peter Mansfield, the Nobel Prize winning physicist who led the development of MRI scanning.Dame Jennifer Jenkins, chairwoman of the Consumers Association and the National Trust.Hans Rosling the statistician known for his skill as a communicator who worked to end poverty.Al Jarreau the versatile singer who won Grammy awards for jazz, pop and R&B.

Feb 17, 201727 min

Alan Simpson, Brunhilde Pomsel, Sir Ken Morrison, Buchi Emecheta

Matthew Bannister onThe comedy writer Alan Simpson. With his partner Ray Galton, he created classic sitcoms including Hancock's Half Hour and Steptoe and Son.Brunhilde Pomsel who was the secretary to the Nazi propaganda chief Josef Goebbels.Sir Ken Morrison, the Yorkshireman who built up the family grocery firm to become Britain's fourth largest supermarket chain.And the Nigerian born novelist Buchi Emecheta who overcame prejudice to follow her passion for writing.

Feb 10, 201727 min

Sir John Hurt, Margaret Pereira CBE, Sir Christopher Bland, Emma Tennant, Mary Tyler Moore

Matthew Bannister on Sir John Hurt, the actor whose outstanding roles included Quentin Crisp, the Elephant Man and Caligula.Margaret Pereira, the pioneering forensic scientist who was known as "Miss Murder" by the press.Sir Christopher Bland who chaired LWT, the BBC and BT.Emma Tennant, the author from an aristocratic background whose work included sequels to classic novels.And Mary Tyler Moore, the American TV star whose sitcom made her a role model for independent career women. Producer: Neil George.

Feb 3, 201727 min

Tam Dalyell MP, Victor Lownes, Babette Cole, Zhou Youguang, Gorden Kaye

Matthew Bannister onThe Labour MP Tam Dalyell who asked the West Lothian Question and pursued Margaret Thatcher over the sinking of the Belgrano. Victor Lownes who ran Playboy's clubs in the UK - and lived up to the magazine's lifestyle and values. Children's author Babette Cole, best known for writing and illustrating Princess Smartypants and The Trouble with Mum.The Chinese economist and linguistics expert Zhou Youguang who came up with the Pinyin system of turning Chinese characters into Roman letters.And the actor Gorden Kaye, best known for playing the cafe owner Rene in the comedy series 'Allo 'Allo. Producer: Neil George.

Jan 27, 201727 min

Baroness Heyhoe Flint, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, Una Kroll, William Peter Blatty, Sir James Mancham

Matthew Bannister onBaroness Rachael Heyhoe Flint who captained the England women's cricket team to victory in the World Cup.Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, one of the key players in the country's revolution.Dr. Una Kroll, a tireless campaigner for the ordination of women.William Peter Blatty who wrote the book and the film "The Exorcist"And Sir James Mancham, the first President of the Seychelles Producer: Neil George.

Jan 20, 201727 min

Lord Snowdon, Graham Taylor, Jill Saward, Peter Sarstedt, Clare Hollingworth

Matthew Bannister onLord Snowdon - renowned photographer and Princess Margaret's former husband.Graham Taylor - the football manager who had success with Watford and Aston Villa, but was lampooned for his performance with England. Jill Saward, the rape survivor who campaigned for the rights of those who suffer sexual violence. The singer and songwriter Peter Sarsdedt, best known for the song "Where Do You Go To My Lovely?"And Clare Hollingworth, the war reporter who broke the story of the Nazi invasion of Poland. Producer: Neil George.

Jan 13, 201727 min

John Berger, Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher, Henry Heimlich, Patsy Crampton, Brian Widlake and George Michael

Julian Worricker on:The writer and art critic John BergerMother and daughter actresses, Debbie Reynolds and Carrie FisherThe surgeon who came up with the life-saving heimlich manoeuvre, Henry HeimlichThe linguist Patsy Crampton, who worked at the Nuremberg trials before going on to translate more than 200 children's booksBroadcaster Brian Widlake, well known for the Money Programme and the World at OneAnd one of the biggest names in popular music, George Michael.Producer: Neil George.

Jan 6, 201728 min

Michael Nicholson, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Lord Prior, Rabbi Lionel Blue, Pauline Oliveros

Julian Worricker on:The journalist and TV correspondent, Michael Nicholson, who covered numerous conflicts for ITNThe actress and socialite Zsa Zsa Gabor, famous for her one-liners and nine husbandsJames Prior, who served in government under Margaret Thatcher despite her regarding him as a 'wet'Rabbi Lionel Blue, a regular presenter on Thought for the Day on Radio 4and the composer Pauline Oliveros. an electronic music pioneer best known for her philosophy of 'deep listening'.Producer: Neil George.

Dec 23, 201628 min

Peter Gibson, AA Gill, Coral Atkins, William Chaloner, Ian McCaskill

Matthew Bannister onPeter Gibson the master glazier who devoted his life to the care of the stained glass windows in York Minster.AA Gill, who overcame alcoholism and dyslexia to become one of the UK's best known critics.Coral Atkins who gave up a career as an actress to run homes for disadvantaged children.William Chaloner, an authority on fossil plants who used pollen from the past to reconstruct ancient environments.Ian McCaskill, the BBC weather man much imitated by impressionists.

Dec 16, 201627 min

John Glenn, Peter Vaughan, Jayalalithaa Jayaram, Greg Lake

Matthew Bannister on John Glenn, the astronaut who was the first American to orbit the earth and later the oldest man ever to be sent into space.The actor Peter Vaughan, best known for his roles in Porridge, Our Friends In the North and latterly Game of Thrones.Jayalalithaa Jayaram, the autocratic chief minister of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu who was imprisoned for corruption, but re-elected afterwards. And Greg Lake - the guitarist and singer who was part of the supergroup Emerson, Lake and Palmer and recorded a classic Christmas single. Producer: Dianne McGregor.

Dec 9, 201628 min

Andrew Sachs, Fidel Castro, Mose Allison, The Honourable Margaret Rhodes

Matthew Bannister onAndrew Sachs, the actor who was so much more than Manuel in Fawlty Towers. We hear about his acclaimed radio career.Also the Cuban leader Fidel Castro - brutal dictator or benevolent champion of his people?The jazz and blues singer Mose Allison, whose songs were covered by the Who, the Clash, Bonnie Raitt and Van Morrison.And The Honourable Margaret Rhodes, the Queen's cousin, who became a celebrity after writing her memoirs of life in the royal household. Producer: Neil George.

Dec 2, 201628 min

Martin Aitchison, Sir Mota Singh QC, William Trevor, Ruth Gruber, David Mancuso

Kate Silverton on:Martin Aitchison who worked with Barnes Wallis on the bouncing bomb but made his name illustrating the Peter and Jane ladybird books.Sir Mota Singh, the Kenyan born Barrister who became Britain's first ethnic minority judge making headlines worldwide as the first judge in 300 years not to wear the horse hair wigWilliam Trevor - one of Ireland's greatest writers - a novelist, playwright and short story writer, his work was compared with ChekhovRuth Gruber, journalist, author, humanitarian and spy. She documented Stalin's gulags, life in Nazi Germany and the plight of Jewish refugeesand David Mancuso, dance music legend and music host who founded the Loft in New York.Producer: Neil George.

Nov 25, 201628 min

Robert Vaughn, Sir Sigmund Sternberg, Carolyn Hardy OBE, Ewen Whitaker, Claude 'Curly' Putman

Matthew Bannister onRobert Vaughn - the actor who made his name as Napoleon Solo in "The Man From Uncle" TV series and also appeared in films like "The Magnificent Seven", "Bullitt" and "The Towering Inferno".Ewen Whitaker, the self taught astronomer who became an expert on the geography of the moon and helped direct Apollo 12 to its landing site. Carolyn Hardy, who turned the National Gardens Scheme into a stand alone charity and was vice chairman of the Royal Horticultural Society.Sir Sigmund Sternberg, the businessman who founded the Three Faiths Forum to encourage dialogue between Jews, Muslims and Christians.Claude "Curly" Putman - the country singer who wrote "D.I.V.O.R.C.E" and "The Green Green Grass of Home". Producer: Neil George.

Nov 18, 201628 min

Leonard Cohen, Lt Col Robert Montgomery MC, Janet Reno, Sir Jimmy Young

Matthew Bannister onThe singer, songwriter and poet Leonard Cohen. He was accused of depressing a generation, but many found his songs inspiring.Lieutenant Colonel Bob Montgomery - the explosives expert who played a leading role in a daring Commando raid on the port of Saint Nazaire during the second world war.Janet Reno - the US Attorney General General under President Bill Clinton - she dealt with many controversial issues, including the Whitewater and Monica Lewinsky scandals. Sir Jimmy Young. For thirty years his mixture of news and music entertained and informed millions on Radio 2. Producer: Neil George.

Nov 11, 201628 min

Tom Hayden, Valerie Hunter Gordon, Carole Blake, Anne Pashley

Matthew Bannister onAmerican political activist Tom Hayden. He once said that people only knew four words about him: "Sixties, Radical, Jane and Fonda". He led anti Vietnam war protests and was married to the Hollywood star. Valerie Hunter Gordon who invented the disposable nappy. Her prototypes were made from old wartime parachutes. Literary agent Carole Blake who wrote a best selling guide for aspiring novelists.And Anne Pashley, who won a silver medal at the 1956 Olympics, then became a leading opera singer.

Nov 4, 201627 min

Raine, Countess Spencer, James "Jimmy" Perry, Stylianos Pattakos, Howard Davies, Bobby Vee

Matthew Bannister on Raine Countess Spencer. The daughter of Barbara Cartland and step mother of Princess Diana who nicknamed her "Acid Raine".Jimmy Perry who drew on his own life to co-write classic TV comedies including Dad's Army and Hi De Hi.General Stylianos Pattakos, a leading figure in the military junta that took power in Greece in 1967. The theatre director Howard Davies, acclaimed for his productions of twentieth century American classics and for the premiere of Les Liaisons Dangereuses.And Bobby Vee - the sixties pop idol whose many chart hits included Rubber Ball and Take Good Care of My Baby. Producer: Neil George.

Oct 28, 201628 min

Jean Alexander, Trinh Thi Ngo, Ian Mercer, Joseph Harmatz, Joan Marie Johnson

Matthew Bannister onJean Alexander - the actress best known for playing Hilda Ogden in Coronation Street.Trinh Thi Ngo. Nicknamed Hanoi Hannah, she broadcast propaganda to American GIs during the Vietnam war.Ian Mercer the naturalist who became the first Dartmoor National Park officer and the first Chief Executive of the Countryside Council for Wales.Joseph Harmatz, part of a group of Jewish vigilantes who set out to murder millions of Germans just after the second world war.And Joan Marie Johnson - one of the three women singers in the Dixie Cups who scored a major hit with The Chapel of Love.Producer: Neil George.

Oct 21, 201628 min

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Dario Fo, Jean Bloxam, Andrew Vicari, Don Buchla

Matthew Bannister onThe world's longest reigning monarch - King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.The Nobel prize winning playwright and satirist Dario Fo. Griff Rhys Jones pays tribute.The pioneering racing driver Jean Bloxam She took on the men - and often beat them.Andrew Vicari, the painter from Port Talbot in Wales who made millions through commissions from the Saudi Royal family.And the musician Don Buchla who invented the first modern synthesiser in 1963.Producer: Neil GeorgeInterviewed guest: Paul Handley Interviewed guest: Griff Rhys Jones Interviewed guest: Dan Rebellato Interviewed guest: Nick Tassoni Interviewed guest: Michael Scott Interviewed guest: Andrew Vaccari Interviewed guest: Georgina Adam Interviewed guest: Mark Vail Interviewed guest: Geeta DyalInterviewed guest: Andrew Vaccari Interviewed guest: Georgina Adam Interviewed guest: Mark Vail Interviewed guest: Geeta Dyal.

Oct 14, 201628 min

Sir Neville Marriner, Father Gabriele Amorth, Beryl Crockford, Professor Louis Herman, Rod Temperton

Matthew Bannister onSir Neville Marriner the conductor who founded the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and led them to become the world's most recorded orchestra.Father Gabriele Amorth, the Catholic Church's leading exorcist who said he'd tackled over a hundred cases of demonic possession.Beryl Crockford, one of the first two British women to become rowing world champions. Professor Louis Herman the American psychologist who caused a sensation by communicating with dolphins.Rod Temperton, a member of the band Heatwave who wrote a string of hits for Michael Jackson including the title track of his album Thriller. Producer: Neil George.

Oct 7, 201627 min

Shimon Peres, Nathalie Evans, Arnold Palmer, Bill Mollison, Jean Shepard

Matthew Bannister onShimon Peres, the Israeli elder statesman who was twice Prime Minister of his country and won the Nobel Peace Prize for his part in negotiating the Oslo Accord with the Palestinians. Nathalie Evans who co founded the Twycross Zoo and provided the chimps for the PG Tips TV adverts.Arnold Palmer, the legendary golfer who won 91 professional titles and was followed by fans known as "Arnie's Army".Bill Mollison, the Australian author and lecturer who was known as the "father of permaculture".Produced by Neil George.

Sep 30, 201628 min

Edward Albee, James Cronin, Caroline Thomson OBE, Sir Frederick Holliday, Charmian Carr

Matthew Bannister on American playwright Edward Albee, who won three Pullitzer prizes but not for his best known work "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?".Physicist James Cronin who won the Nobel Prize for his work on the asymmetry between matter and anti matter.Health administrator Caroline Thomson, who persuaded the people of the Scottish Highlands to confront the challenges of HIV and AIDS.Zoologist and academic Sir Frederick Holliday. He was vice chancellor of Durham University and campaigned to save the UK's otter population. Actress Charmian Carr best known for playing the teenager Liesl in the film "The Sound of Music." Produced by Neil George.

Sep 23, 201628 min

Barry Myers, Eileen Younghusband, Robin Spark, Keith McDougall, Prince Buster

Matthew Bannister onBarry Myers who directed some of the best known commercials of the 1970s and 80s, including ads for Hovis, Olympus Cameras and Cadbury's Flake. Eileen Younghusband, who worked as a filter officer during the Second World War, spotting the approaching aircraft and V2 rockets launched against Britain by the Nazis.The Edinburgh based artist Robin Spark, who had a troubled relationship with his mother, the writer Muriel Spark.Keith MacDougall, the Norfolk countryman who balanced a passion for shooting with a commitment to conservation.And Prince Buster the Jamaican musician who was one of the pioneers of Ska. Produced by Neil George.

Sep 16, 201627 min

The Right Rev David Jenkins, Dame Margaret Anstee, Islam Karimov, Richard Neville

Matthew Bannister onThe Bishop of Durham the Right Reverend David Jenkins. A respected theologian, he was noted for his controversial views.The diplomat Dame Margaret Anstee who overcame sex discrimination to hold senior roles at the United Nations. She led relief missions at many of the world's major trouble spots. .The President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov who faced international condemnation for his violent treatment of his opponents. And Richard Neville who edited the 1960s counter culture magazine Oz, and faced obscenity charges in a notorious court case.

Sep 9, 201628 min

Joao Havelange, Sonia Rykiel, Gene Wilder, Toots Thielemans

Matthew Bannister on João Havelange, the President of the international football federation, FIFA, who stepped down amid allegations of corruption.The French fashion designer Sonia Rykiel who broke the conventions of haute couture to produce wearable clothes for women on the go. Gene Wilder, the comedy film actor best known for his roles as Willy Wonka in Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and in Mel Brooks films like Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.And Toots Thielemans, the jazz musician who played the harmonica and made his name by whistling along to his own guitar.Producer: Neil George.

Sep 2, 201628 min

Sir Antony Jay, Donald Henderson, Tom Cholmondeley, Patsy Wright-Warren CBE, Lord Rix

Julian Worricker on....The co-writer of 'Yes Minister' and 'Yes Prime Minister' - Sir Antony Jay....Donald Henderson, American epidemiologist, who led the WHO's campaign to eradicate smallpox....The aristocrat Tom Cholmondeley, who divided opinion in his native Kenya after he shot dead two black men on his ranch....Nursing leader, Patsy Wright-Warren, who went on to travel the world for the Ryder-Cheshire Foundation.....and the entertainer and actor, Brian Rix, who was one of the country's leading campaigners for people with learning disabilities.Producer: Neil George.

Aug 26, 201628 min

Bishop Edward Daly, Ahmed Zewail, Suzanne Wright, Duke of Westminster, Ivo Pitanguy

Matthew Bannister onthe Bishop of Derry Edward Daly. He was famously photographed waving a bloodstained white handkerchief as he tended to a young man shot by the army on Bloody Sunday. The Egyptian born chemist Ahmed Zewail who won the Nobel prize for his work on revealing the minute details of chemical reactions. Suzanne Wright who raised millions of dollars for research into autism after her grandson was diagnosed with the condition.The Duke of Westminster, one of the UK's wealthiest landowners and a close friend of the royal family.And the Brazilian plastic surgeon Ivo Pitanguy. To his many celebrity patients he was known as the Michelangelo of the scalpel. Producer: Paul Waters.

Aug 12, 201628 min

Luc Hoffmann, Sylvia Peters, Joe Powell, William Smethurst, Sandy Pearlman

Matthew Bannister onLuc Hoffmann, the Swiss conservationist who co-founded the World Wildlife Fund and fought to save endangered species and wetlands. Sylvia Peters, one of the best known faces on BBC television in the 1950s. The film stuntman Joe Powell who took part in many death defying exploits.The editor of the Archers William Smethurst who introduced the characters of Eddie Grundy and Nigel Pargetter.And Sandy Pearlman, rock manager and producer who created the Blue Oyster Cult and changed the sound of the Clash. Producer: Paul Waters.

Aug 5, 201627 min

Gary S Paxton, Sally Beauman, Thomas Sutherland, Frank Dickens, Marni Nixon

Matthew Bannister on Thomas Sutherland the Scottish-born American professor who was held hostage for more than six years in Lebanon. We hear from his fellow hostage Terry Anderson.The singer, songwriter and producer Gary S Paxton. He brought us the Monster Mash and thousands of other songs and lived up to his nickname "His Weirdness"Sally Beauman, who was given a reported million pound advance for her best selling novel Destiny, but transcended the bonk buster genre. Frank Dickens, the cartoonist who satirised office life in the Bristow comic strip and often liked to strip naked himself. And Marni Nixon, whose singing voice was dubbed over Hollywood movie stars when they couldn't hit the high notes.Producer: Paul Waters.

Jul 29, 201628 min

Sydney Schanberg, Beatrice de Cardi, Lord Evans of Temple Guiting, Alvin Toffler, Jimmy Gilbert

Matthew Bannister onThe American journalist Sydney Schanberg who won the Pulitzer prize for his reporting on Cambodia. His story was turned into the film "The Killing Fields".The archaeologist Beatrice de Cardi, once described as "a cross between Miss Marple and Indiana Jones".The publisher Lord Evans of Temple Guiting, who, as Matthew Evans, led Faber and Faber to great success. His friend Melvyn Bragg pays tribute. The futurist Alvin Toffler best known for his 1970 book "Future Shock". And the comedy producer Jimmy Gilbert who brought us "The Frost Report", "Last of the Summer Wine" and "Fawlty Towers". Producer: Dianne McGregor.

Jul 22, 201628 min

Abdul Sattar Edhi, Professor Suzanne Corkin, Bernardo Provenzano, Garry Marshall

Matthew Bannister on Abdul Sattar Edhi. Known as Pakistan's "Angel of Mercy", he built up a foundation which brought healthcare, orphanages and women's shelters to the poorest people in his country. Dr. Suzanne Corkin - the neuroscientist who spent years studying a patient known as "H.M." An operation on his brain had left him with profound amnesia. Bernardo Provenzano - the Sicilian mafia boss nicknamed "The Tractor" because he mowed down all his enemies.And Garry Marshall the comedy writer and director who brought us "Happy Days" and "Pretty Woman." Producer: Neil George.

Jul 22, 201628 min

Caroline Aherne, Elie Wiesel, Sir Geoffrey Hill, Lord Mayhew, Michael Cimino

Matthew Bannister onThe comedian Caroline Aherne who created Mrs Merton and the Royle family and struggled with the pressures of fame.Holocaust survivor and author Elie Wiesel. Described by President Obama as "one of the great moral voices of our time", he won the Nobel Peace Prize. The poet Sir Geoffrey Hill whose work focused on English history, landscape and religion.The Conservative politician Lord Mayhew. As Northern Ireland Secretary under John Major, he laid the foundations for the peace process.And the film director Michael Cimino - best known for the Deer Hunter which won five Oscars. Producer: Dianne McGregor.

Jul 8, 201628 min

Amjad Sabri, Lorna Kelly, Jerome Bruner, Bob Holman, Scotty Moore

Matthew Bannister onThe Pakistani qawwali singer Amjad Sabri. A huge star in his homeland, he was shot dead in his car in Karachi. The auctioneer Lorna Kelly who turned her back on a glittering New York lifestyle to work with Mother Teresa.The psychologist Jerome Bruner whose work brought new insight into how children learn.Bob Holman who gave up his academic career to live and work with people on housing estates. And Scotty Moore who played guitar on many of Elvis Presley's biggest hits. Producer: Dianne McGregor.

Jul 1, 201627 min

Dr Sylvia Meek, Sam King MBE, Chips Moman, Ethel Bush GM, Harry Rabinowitz

Matthew Bannister onThe parasitologist Sylvia Meek who led the fight to reduce deaths from malaria. Harry Rabinowitz who conducted the music for many films and TV series, including the English Patient and Upstairs Downstairs.Ethel Bush who was one of the two first policewomen to be awarded the George Medal for bravery. Sam King, the RAF veteran from Jamaica who later travelled to Britain on the Empire Windrush and became Mayor of Southwark.And Chips Moman, the record producer who worked with Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin and Willie Nelson.

Jun 24, 201627 min

Sir Peter Shaffer, Sir Denys Wilkinson, Peggy Spencer and Muhammad Ali

Julian Worricker on:The playwright Sir Peter Shaffer, most famous for 'The Royal Hunt of the Sun, 'Equus' and 'Amadeus'...The physicist, Sir Denys Wilkinson, considered an expert on the electromagnetic properties of nuclear isotopes...The dancer, Peggy Spencer - also a choreographer, adjudicator and dance event organiser...And the man voted the sportsman of the last century, heavyweight boxer and civil rights campaigner, Muhammad Ali.

Jun 17, 201627 min

Jo Cox MP, Dave Swarbrick, Viktor Korchnoi, Wendy Leigh

Reeta Chakrabarti on:The MP Jo Cox , who was brutally killed in the street, after meeting local people in the West Yorkshire constituency she representedThe musician Dave Swarbrick, who found fame with the folk group Fairport Convention - and who celebrated the premature publication of his obituary by a newspaper, 17 years before his death.The chess player Viktor Korchnoi, a grandmaster of the international circuit, who defected from the Soviet Union and whose career became enmeshed in Cold War politics.And the showbiz writer Wendy Leigh, who produced racy celebrity biographies and steamy novels, and who had a long affair with the publishing tycoon Robert Maxwell.

Jun 17, 201627 min

Carla Lane, Sir Denys Henderson, Jane Fawcett, Alan Devereux and Buster Cooper

Matthew Bannister onCarla Lane who wrote hit TV comedies including The Liver Birds, Bread and Butterflies. Wendy Craig pays tribute. The ICI Chairman Sir Denys Henderson, who fought off a takeover bid from Lord Hanson and split the company into two parts.Jane Fawcett, the former debutante who worked with the code-breakers at Bletchley Park and then fought to conserve many of Britain's greatest Victorian buildings.And Alan Devereux who for nearly fifty years played Sid Perks in the Archers.

Jun 3, 201627 min

Professor Robert McNeill Alexander, Reg Grundy, Sally Brampton, Tony Cozier, Madeleine LeBeau

Matthew Bannister onProfessor Robert McNeill Alexander - the father of animal biomechanics, who revealed how fast dinosaurs could run.The Australian TV producer Reg Grundy who was behind a string of popular hits, including Neighbours, Wheel of Fortune and Prisoner Cell Block H. Sally Brampton, the founding editor of British Elle magazine who wrote a powerful book about her struggle with depression. And Tony Cozier, the West Indian cricket commentator who was a much loved member of the Test Match Special team.

May 20, 201627 min

Gareth Gwenlan, Sir Harry Kroto, Michael 'Dandy Kim' Caborn-Waterfield, Lilly Dubowitz, Papa Wemba

Matthew Bannister onGareth Gwenlan the TV producer and Head of BBC Comedy behind a string of hits including Only Fools and Horses. Sir David Jason pays tribute.Sir Harry Kroto, the Nobel prize winning chemist who helped to discover new forms of carbon.Michael 'Dandy Kim' Caborn-Waterfield, the charming, well dressed scoundrel who started the Ann Summers chain of sex shops and was imprisoned in France for stealing thousands of pounds from the movie mogul Jack Warner.The paediatrician Lilly Dubowitz who developed revolutionary tests to assess new born babiesAnd the Congolese singer and flamboyant dresser Papa Wemba.

May 13, 201628 min

Reverend Daniel Berrigan, Lord Walton of Detchant, Jenny Diski, Guy Woolfenden

Matthew Bannister onThe Reverend Daniel Berrigan, the American Catholic priest who devoted his life to campaigning for peace. He was arrested many times for protests against the Vietnam War and nuclear weapons. Jenny Diski who wrote celebrated novels, essays including her travelogue Skating to Antarctica and her latest memoir In Gratitude.Lord Walton, the eminent neurologist who wrote an influential paper on muscle diseases.And Guy Woolfenden, long serving musical director at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Sir Trevor Nunn pays tribute.

May 6, 201628 min

Lord Peston, Ruth Prideaux, Patricio Aylwin, Professor Sir David Mackay, Gareth Thomas

Matthew Bannister onThe economist Lord Peston who advised the Labour governments of the 60s and 70s. His son Robert Peston and Lord Hattersley pay tribute. The women's cricket coach Ruth Prideaux who steered England to victory at the 1993 World Cup.The Chilean President Patricio Aylwin who is credited with restoring democracy after nearly 17 years of military dictatorship.The physicist Professor Sir David Mackay, known as 'the cleverest man in Cambridge' and a debunker of myths about climate change.And the actor Gareth Thomas best known for his leading role in the TV series Blake's Seven.

Apr 29, 201628 min

Prince, Ray Fitzwalter, Victoria Wood, June Jolly, Phil Sayer

Matthew Bannister onRock superstar Prince - we recall his intimate gig for a handful of people here in Broadcasting House.Ray Fitzwalter the Editor of ITV's World In Action who championed investigative journalism. Victoria Wood - we have a tribute in song from the young comedian she inspired.The nurse June Jolly who transformed the treatment of children in hospital - she once brought a baby elephant and a lion on to the ward to entertain her patients.And - Mind The Gap - the voice of hundreds of station announcements Phil Sayer. Interviewed guest: Fergus Dudley Interviewed guest: Paul Gambaccini Interviewed guest: Roger Corke Interviewed guest: Vikki Stone Interviewed guest: Margaretta Jolly Interviewed guest: Sue Burr Interviewed guest: Elinor Hamilton.

Apr 22, 201628 min

Arnold Wesker, Howard Marks, Peggy Fortnum, Merle Haggard and Rachel Johnson

Matthew Bannister onThe playwright Sir Arnold Wesker whose work celebrated working class life,Howard Marks, the convicted cannabis smuggler and raconteur who became a folk hero to some.Peggy Fortnum, the children's book illustrator who brought Paddington Bear to life.The country singer Merle Haggard whose music was steeped in traditional redneck America.And Rachel Johnson, last surviving resident of the Scottish island of St Kilda which was evacuated in 1930.

Apr 15, 201628 min

Mother Angelica, Hans-Dietrich Genscher, DJ Derek, Doreen Massey and Joe Medicine Crow

Matthew Bannister onThe American broadcasting nun Mother Angelica who founded the Eternal Word Television Network and dispensed traditional Catholic advice to viewers. The German Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher, one of the principal architects of his country's re-unification.Derek Serpell-Morris, who gave up his job as an accountant to become DJ Derek, playing reggae and ska and claiming to be Britain's oldest DJ.Doreen Massey who changed the way we think about geographyand Joe Medicine Crow, the native American historian who was a direct link back to Custer's last stand. Producer: Neil George Interviewed guest: Joanna Bogle Interviewed guest: Paul Burnell Interviewed guest: Lord Owen Interviewed guest: Hilary Wainwright Interviewed guest: Emma Jackson Interviewed guest: Dr David Featherstone Interviewed guest: Herman Viola.

Apr 8, 201628 min

Dame Zaha Hadid, Ronnie Corbett, General Meir Dagan, Joan Loraine, Gary Shandling

Matthew Bannister onThe internationally acclaimed architect Dame Zaha Hadid, known to some as "the queen of the curve".Ronnie Corbett, whose partnership with Ronnie Barker made him one of the UK's best loved comedians.General Meir Dagan, head of the Israeli secret service Mossad when it was credited with carrying out the assassination of five Iranian nuclear scientists.Joan Loraine who created a much admired garden at Greencombe in SomersetAnd Gary Shandling who satirised the vanities and insecurities of celebrity in his fictional TV chat show.

Apr 1, 201627 min

Paul Daniels, Anita Brookner, Sylvia Anderson, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Cliff Michelmore

Matthew Bannister onCliff Michelmore who brought a relaxed informality to presenting TV programmes like Tonight and 24 Hours, without losing intelligence or authority.Sylvia Anderson who - with her husband Gerry - produced TV puppet series like Thunderbirds and Stingray. She was also the voice of Lady Penelope.Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, the composer and former Master of the Queen's Music who made his home in a remote part of Orkney.The author Anita Brookner who won the Booker prize for her novel Hotel du Lac.And the magician Paul Daniels,, whose catch phrase was "You'll like this - not a lot - but you'll like it.".

Mar 18, 201628 min

George Martin, Nancy Reagan, Ray Tomlinson, Gillian Avery

Reeta Chakrabarti onSir George Martin, the legendary music producer who oversaw the Beatles' phenomenal success. Nancy Reagan, the US First Lady, who went from actor to political wife, to campaigner against drug abuse. Ray Tomlinson, one of the pioneers of the internet, and a founder of the email system. And Gillian Avery, historian and award-winning author of children's literature.

Mar 11, 201628 min